The legendary Moonlight Sculptor

V54C6P3- The way of the desert

The burning desert sands split as the ugly desert worm popped out.

A gigantic worm!

With countless razor sharp teeth, the desert worm lunged head first.

- Kuaaah!

Its mouth was wide open as if it wanted to swallow everyone at once!

Weed was already prepared.

"Moonlight Sculpting Blade"

A beam of light extended from the Loa Sword and cut into the eye of the desert worm. The next instant, it passed through the dimensional gate that was floating around.

It disappeared in front of the desert worm's mouth and reappeared in the rear.

"Heat Strike!"

Weed utilized the skills he learned from the desert warriors and slashed the worm in a flash.

< Scorching impact!

Enemy's health points decreased by 93,907.

The heat lingers and applies 3% additional damage per second. >

The desert worm had low defense but a lot of health points.

- Kuaaagh!

The desert worm squirmed, flaking its flaming body.

"Lightning Scar!"

Weed used various attack spells on the worm and worked it down.

Since it wasn't going to die any time soon, it was a good target for him to use many spells and practice them.

'Rapid Slash. This is quite useful even though it's only a basic skill. The burst damage will be very significant against large monsters.'

He used the skills archived in his head and assessed them in detail.

He was taking his time taking down the worm unlike his usual hunts.

*Creep-creep. Squirm-squirm.*

While Weed was confronting the desert worm, the sands nearby moved closer.

'I knew it all along.'

Sensing the prey's movement, they approach slowly for the surprise attack.

Then all of a sudden, they emerged and struck. This was the trait of a desert worm.

"Haaaaa!"

< You have activated War Cry.

Attack power is increased by 100% for 20 seconds.

Endurance is increased by 80% for 5 seconds. >

It was a warrior-class skill!

Weed roared and raised his attack power. Then, more worms swarmed towards him as they were unable to resist the scent of such strong and tasty prey.

At least a dozen worms that were surrounding the desert warriors broke off formation.

In an instant.

- Kyaaa!

- Kuaaaagh!

The desert worms emerged simultaneously from the front, back and sides with their mouths wide open.

It was breathtaking ambush attack that they'd been waiting for.

"Lava River!"

Weed swung his sword and activated his skill. The earth fissured and lava surged within several dozen meters.

The destructive power was incomparable to the time he put the sandstorm to rest!

"Wow… That's…!"

"That is the skill from the desert's folklore."

It was only for a short moment, but he could hear the awe from the warriors of the Sun Tribe.

'I guess I have to thank Bard Ray.'

The force of the skill was more powerful given that he had used Sculptural Destruction Skill to significantly increase his strength.

Though, the real factor was the Goblet of Flames.

< Goblet of Flames : Durability 30/30.

A goblet instilled with the essence of fire. There are stories of collecting lava flowing deep beneath the earth where no human has traveled and also rumors that the goblet is instilled with flames that survived for a million years.

In other words, it was an artifact instilled with a legend.

Darkness, no matter how big, will be defeated if the power of the goblet is drawn out.

Requirements : None.

Option : Possession increases all stats by 53.

Maximum health points and mana increased by 70,000.

All skills related to fire will be 200% more powerful.

Effects of combat skill increased by 35%.

Near immune to fire damage.

The holder can use the 'Goblet's Tranquility' every 10 days.

Special : A legend is sealed inside.

There are 7 options yet to be identified.

Tranquility of the Goblet : Summons a river of flowing lava or an erupting volcano that wipes out all enemies. >

The element of fire was most common among desert warriors.

Warriors did use earth type skills and a rare number of them also used water type skills.

These were skills that increased defense or recovery rate.

The ice element froze monsters and slowed them, thus they were also common. But, when it came to pure damage, fire was the best.

"I will roast everything!"

Weed's lava river swept away the desert worms, both those that had surged up above the sands and the ones hiding underground.

Like a ferocious current, the raging lava river covered the worms.

< Lava River was activated.

Lava flows in a radius of 86 meters and wipes out all enemies! >

The Lava River sustained for over a minute and applied consistent damage.

Weed got the drop on the worms and exploded with the Lion Roar.

- Attack at once! Fight to your heart's desire!

The skill increased his commandship and leadership.

"Wahh!"

The warriors of the Sun Tribe that were watching in surprise instantly ran forward.

They struck down mercilessly on the scorching desert worms with their scimitars.

Warriors were indeed simple minded beings.

Even in his days as the Great King of the Desert, he would dash out on a rampage first and the desert warriors with increased morale joined alongside him, displaying the best efficiency in fighting.

The desert warriors had affinity with fire and were bestowed with additional attack power.

"Hooorah!"

Teppy focused his attack on a single desert worm.

That moment, more desert worms sprang from all directions with rumbling screeches!

River of crimson lava flowed above the heated desert.

On top was an intense battle where Weed, the tribal warriors and the desert warriors were in one huge entanglement.

***

As Kaybern roamed and destroyed the cities, a wind of change brewed in the North.

- Can you picture the North after losing Morata? How about the Earth Place? What will happen to us if we lose it?

Someone spoke out in the Bingryong square.

It was a big disadvantage not having one decent metropolis in the vast Northern Continent.

As the Earth Palace reached completion, the downtown area in the vicinity grew exponentially, and Morata was a metropolis unparalleled in history.

In production, trades, population, it dominated over just about any city in Central Continent in all aspects.

- Because of this, Kaybern will target Morata soon!

The Northern users were afraid.

They were just put away down the list of destruction simply because Castle Aren or Free City Somren had higher development.

It didn't change the fact that Morata was also a city in danger.

Losing Morata meant more for than losing any other city.

Morata was the heart of the North, the hope of countless users and also their home.

The users that grew up ever since Morata was a small village and before Arpen Kingdom even existed, did not want to lose their cherished memories.

"If Kaybern shows up, let us all stand!"

"Of course. We must step up. However, realistically speaking the black dragon will kill us all and turn Morata into ruins. There will be nothing left in Morata when we return. Then, that leaves us with one option."

They came up with a solution in hopes of protecting Morata.

- Population Dispersion Policy!

The plan was to scatter the concentrated population of Morata to the outskirts of the North.

"Let's go. For the sake of our home."

"We must leave."

The users loaded their luggage on wagons driven by bulls and scattered across the entire Northern Continent.

Many shacks were dismantled and the production facilities were also transferred to other cities and villages.

Roads were constructed, and trade cities formed by the riversides where ships travelled. Ultimately, the functionalities were dispersed well into other locations.

Most users left on their own will, but the fundamental facilities, residing population and Morata's role as a production and trade hub were maintained.

Furthermore, tourists and users from the Central continent were visiting on a consistent level.

***

The Earth Palace.

The brightest among the vast human resources of the Grass Porridge Cult gathered.

Several thousands were economic specialists and management consulting in real life.

Only those with a doctorate degree or experience working in a renowned company for over a decade gathered in the palace.

"Much hope lies in our analysis. I can't stress enough the importance of determining which city will fall under the attack of Kaybern."

The elder of the economics stepped forth and spoke.

Since then, all members began a meticulous assessment of information.

They were to analyze the development, population, expansion, commercial facilities, technology, number of artisans, trades, tourism, agricultural production, reputation and influence of all metropolitan cities of the Versailles Continent.

"There must be a pattern. Our job is to find it."

The cities that were targeted and destroyed up until now, and the cities with high chance of destruction. Many things had to be confirmed, but they soon came up with an estimated conclusion because it wasn't difficult for these experts.

"We still lack sample data. The data will reach perfection the more progress Kaybern makes, but as of now Morata will be targeted in at least a month, 2 months at the latest.

Probability leans towards a month."

The event which the Northern users were most afraid of was soon going to take place.

***

Weed used the Dimensional Gloves and whipped through the battlefield against the desert worms. The various items including the Goblet of Flames boosted his attack power.

The Sun Tribe being the elites of the desert were successful in holding their own.

92 casualties.

It was minimal sacrifice given the desperate battle above the heated desert.

Tribe Intern Complete.

You have led the Sun Tribe and completed the desert worm hunt

The tribal warriors are in admiration of your power and courage.

< You have accomplished the combat achievement 'Bloody battle against the desert worms'.

All stats are increased by 2.

Strength is increased by 5.

Agility is increased by 1. >

< Reputation is increased by 5,000. >

Quest completion!

Weed did not forget to apply bandages and medicinal herbs on the wounded.

"Ugh!"

"Endure the pain."

Unlike his words, he wrapped the bandages roughly around them.

He could bind down wounds with his eyes closed and was even capable of reviving them from the brink of death.

Then, Teppy approached Weed and said:

"Our tribe overcame a difficult battle with your aid. I represent the tribe and pay respect to you, the warrior of warriors."

The Sun Tribe warriors in mild condition had also gathered around him.

These warriors did not have courtesy like the knights in the Central Continent. However, these warriors of the Sun Tribe will join Weed when he calls for battle no matter where it may be.

That was the way of the desert!

Teppy handed another scimitar that he carried on his back.

"You are qualified to be the warrior acknowledged by the desert. You shall be free above the vast sands."

*Blink!*

< You are able to advance into the class 'Desert Warrior'. Special skills will be unlocked upon advancement.

Strength and stamina will improve quickly while roaming in the desert.

You will acquire simple, but deadly sword techniques.

Movement speed will increase while riding on camels.

Desert Warrior is an advanced class of the warrior.

Will you advance now? >

Weed got the chance to advance but was very disappointed.

'Such difficulty on a quest, and all that for just the Desert Warrior?'

Desert Warrior was already a class that was obtainable within cities such as Metafeia once the qualifications were met.

He was bound to do many things in the desert and had to equip himself with higher strength, but this wasn't what he expected after saving an entire tribe.

'No. I shouldn't be disappointed. The Desert Warrior class is only the basic title for working in the desert.'

The Warrior of the Sun was only a class given to the champion of the desert, so this definitely was not the end of his journey.

'There will be more to offer.'

Weed decided not to think too deeply about it.

"I appreciate it. The desert is an honorable place for the warrior."

< You have advanced into the Desert Warrior.

You have obtained a higher class of the warrior.

You are now able to learn combat skills specialized in fire.

Maximum health points increased by 25%.

Maximum mana increased by 10%.

News of your combat achievements spread further across the continent.

Effects of faith decreased by 5%.

While roaming the desert, maximum health points is increased. Strength and stamina develop rapidly. >

The job was an excellent combat type class.

They are often compared to the Martial Artist class that allows a wider range of skills, but extensive growth in the desert will lead to huge accumulation of strength and stamina.

A small side effect was the dark skin tan due to the blazing sunlight.

Weed snuck a question.

"Is there something else that you might want to tell me? Perhaps job classes… Or job classes. A worthy job class."

"There is. The way I see it, you are the most skilled warrior in the desert. Too big a presence even for our tribe to bare."

His senses that he developed through the years of Royal Road hit the mark.

Teppy pointed to the east with his scimitar.

"Ride the camel straight in that direction and you will come across the Altar of the Sun."

"I've never heard about the Altar of the Sun."

"It is a place held sacred by our tribe. Take this. You may only enter if you possess this Fragment of Sun."

*Blink!*

< You have obtained information about the Altar of the Sun.

The vast southern desert.

This is a place where the warriors that uphold the sun conduct their sacred ceremonies.

The most powerful warrior in the desert can be reborn into the Warrior of the Sun through this ceremony. >

< You have acquired Fragment of the Sun. >

Weed grasped the fragment with his hand. The stone fragment was hot with peculiar symbols drawn on the surface.

"Identify!"

< Fragment of the Sun : Durability 13/40.

This is fragment said to be a part of the sun.

Unknown power is sleeping within. >

'Hmm. It's different. I did advance into the Warrior of the Sun in the past, but it wasn't like this.'

During his days as the Great King, he battled to become more powerful without a moment to spare in looking over quests and findings.

He used fire skills as a Desert Warrior, and one day the advancement occurred all of a sudden with a notification saying that he had been enlightened about the power of the sun.

'A ceremony to become the Warrior of the Sun. This is the real way. This feels like inheriting an official class with full fledged powers.'

(To be continued…)